Sister Doris Cavanaugh, PBVM – sister for 70 years

Sister Doris Cavanaugh, PBVM, (religious name Sister Mary Concepta) died Feb. 23 at the Presentation motherhouse in San Francisco. A native of Los Angeles, Sister Doris was born July 28, 1928, and was a Sister of the Presentation for 70 years. Sister Doris leaves her sister Margaret Gaines (Dave); her brothers Charles and John; her sister-in-law, Jackie (Ralph); and many nieces, nephews and their families. Sister Doris was the daughter of Grace Carpenter and George Cavanaugh. She was predeceased by her brother Ralph.

Beginning in 1947, for 23 years, Sister Doris served in teaching and administrative positions in Catholic elementary schools, starting in San Francisco at St. Agnes, St. Anne and St. Elizabeth schools.

In 1970 and 1976, Sister Doris was elected to congregational leadership as a councilor. She also served as formation director. In 1976, she also became the administrator of Presentation Retreat Center, Los Gatos. While administrator of the center, Sister Doris nurtured its growth as a retreat center and lived through the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 and guided the rebuilding that followed.

A funeral Mass Feb. 27 was followed by interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma.

Memorial contributions to the Sisters of the Presentation are preferred. Contributions can be sent to Sisters of the Presentation, Development Office, 281 Masonic Ave., San Francisco, CA 94118.